Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina
A licensed practical nurse in North Carolina earns an estimated $63,270 a year ($30.42/hr) — roughly in line with the U.S. average, with most between $59,270 and $69,700. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Licensed Practical Nurse — North Carolina
Verified public wage dataMedian annual pay
$63,270
Near nationalHourly
$30.42/hr
- Typical range
- $59,270–$69,700
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $74,730
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $50,480
- Newer nurses
Licensed Practical Nurse pay by city in North Carolina
Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.
| City | Est. annual | Est. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $65,140 | $31.32 |
| Raleigh | $64,080 | $30.81 |
Licensed Practical Nurse pay in nearby-paying states
How North Carolina compares to states with similar licensed practical nurse pay.
Other nursing roles in North Carolina
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.
What affects licensed practical nurse pay in North Carolina
Pay below the national median; growing metros. For a licensed practical nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
Where this figure comes from
This is the actual median wage reported for North Carolina in official U.S. government wage data — about 2% below the U.S. average. It is measured from employer-reported payroll, not estimated from a national average.
In North Carolina, the lowest-paid 10% earn about $50,480 and the highest-paid 10% about $74,730. Where you land depends on specialty, shift, overtime, union status, employer type, and years of experience.
Source year: 2025. Updated when new official wage data is published.
How to use this state figure
- It’s the median actually reported for North Carolina — half of nurses earn more, half earn less. A midpoint, not an offer you’re guaranteed.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in North Carolina make this page more precise over time.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in North Carolina — FAQ
- How much does a licensed practical nurse make in North Carolina?
- A licensed practical nurse in North Carolina earns an estimated $63,270 a year — about $30.42 an hour, with most between $59,270 and $69,700. That's roughly in line with the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and North Carolina's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is North Carolina a good state for licensed practical nurses?
- For pay, North Carolina sits roughly in line with the national average for licensed practical nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $63,270 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
- Which city in North Carolina pays licensed practical nurses the most?
- Among North Carolina metros we track, Charlotte tends to have the highest estimated pay for licensed practical nurses, at roughly $65,140 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
- How does North Carolina licensed practical nurse pay compare to the national average?
- The national figure for a licensed practical nurse is about $64,400 a year, versus an estimated $63,270 in North Carolina — roughly in line with the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.
BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)
North Carolina figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for North Carolina (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national licensed practical nurse pay adjusted for North Carolina. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.